Sign In
Free Newsletter
Lawmakers reconvene to mull unemployment proposal
The Arizona Legislature will reconvene Monday afternoon to consider Gov. Jan Brewer's push to keep 20 weeks of federally funded extended unemployment benefits flowing to thousands of Arizonans.
Small business’ top 10 legislative victories in 2011
The 50th Arizona Legislature has boldly staked its claim to being the most pro-small business Legislature in Arizona’s history. On issue after issue, legislators advanced measures to relieve the tax and regulatory burdens on the engines of our economic recovery, Arizona’s small businesses. Even in instances where lawmakers mistakenly pursued bad policy, they did so with the right motive in min[...]
District and Goldwater Institute in interim deal
A suburban Phoenix school district has agreed to stop spending money from a special bond while a judge reviews a complaint from the Goldwater Institute that it is violating voter intent.
GOP reduced deficit, passed protection measures in 100-day session
Two weeks ago the Republican Legislature wrapped up its business in only 100 days, a feat that was last accomplished over a decade ago and heralded by the media as if it was the main story line of this session.
Luige del Puerto discusses how business was the big winner in this year’s legislative session
Arizona Capitol Times reporter Luige del Puerto talks about how the business community coalesced behind an agenda they were largely able to achieve during the most recent legislative session.
A renewed focus on dynamic, decisive action
Having worked around the state Capitol for many years before being elected in November, I witnessed the prosperous years when legislators fought over take-home projects for their districts. And I also saw the lean years when legislators shook every penny out of the state’s piggy bank and used debt financing and fancy accounting gimmicks just to get by.Â
This year was very different.Â[...]
Brewer makes mark doubling last year’s veto count
Lawmakers found Gov. Jan Brewer to be a lot like a teacher who's a tough grader — and she's not shy about sending notes home either.
Tobin picked as new Arizona House speaker
Andy Tobin has been unanimously elected to be the new speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives as the former speaker.
He replaces Kirk Adams, who stepped down as speaker in advance of his resignation from the Legislature. Adams and his aides have not said why he is leaving, but he is widely expected to run for Congress.
Adams’ resignation leaves lawmakers little time to campaign for leadership posts
It’s a near certainty that House Majority Leader Andy Tobin will be elevated to speaker of the House when lawmakers gather for an emergency session to replace outgoing House Speaker Kirk Adams.
Pearce plans to stay through end of session
Pearce wouldn't close the door on 2012 run for the U.S. House or Senate, but said it is "absolutely my intention" to stay in the Legislature through the end of the 2012 regular session.
Legislature’s appetite for immigration bills wanes
The Arizona Legislature's appetite for confronting border woes has waned considerably from a year ago when lawmakers passed the nation's toughest local immigration enforcement law.
Bill would limit right to jury trial
A bill approved by the Arizona Legislature would end the flat right that misdemeanor DUI defendants now have under state law to a jury trial for a first offense.
